Giants promote young catcher; Burrell on D.L.

SAN DIEGO — The last time the Giants promoted a young, switch-hitting Venezuelan catcher from the minor leagues, it was 2008, and Pablo Sandoval came bounding onto the scene.

Nobody is suggesting that Hector Sanchez will provide a Kung Fu Panda sequel. But his bat is intriguing enough for management to give the 21-year-old a big league look. While placing Pat Burrell on the disabled list with a troublesome right foot Friday, the Giants took occasion to purchase Sanchez’s contract from Triple-A Fresno.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Sanchez was one of the most improved prospects in spring camp. In recent days, Bochy also received positive reports on Sanchez’s defensive progress from Triple-A manager Steve Decker. But Sanchez, who began the season at Single-A San Jose, arrived primarily because of his bat and power potential.

“We’ll use him as a double-switch guy and occasional starter,” said Bochy, indicating Sanchez could play Saturday alongside Barry Zito, whom Sanchez caught in the minors. “He’s done a nice job, and we have a need now.”

Most importantly, “We think the bat could work up here,” Bochy said.

Friday, Sanchez drew a pinch walk while making his major league debut in the ninth inning.

In the minors, Sanchez batted .301 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 42 games for San Jose, then hit .305 in 25 games at Fresno. He is

naturally right-handed and has more power from that side but said his left-handed swing is more comfortable.

“This is the dream for all young guys,” Sanchez said.

Burrell making best of his time on bench

Pat Burrell provided one of the more heartwarming stories of the offseason, when his love of being a Giant was so great that he practically signed a blank contract with no guarantee of playing time.

The reality of being glued to the bench is much different, though. Burrell has started just five of the past 14 games. Is he pining to get off the pine?

“It’s been all right. I signed up for it,” he said. “There was no guarantee for me last year, either. And really, there shouldn’t be for anyone on any team. If you play well, you’re going to play. If not, you more than likely won’t.”

Burrell entered Wednesday with a .233 average and 39 strikeouts in 116 at-bats, although his .346 on-base percentage was more respectable. He also was 0 for 6 as a pinch hitter but drew an important walk in the ninth to load the bases and sustain a rally Tuesday night.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Burrell stopped by his office Tuesday afternoon to remind Bochy that he was a .375 hitter against Florida Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco. But that’s as far as Burrell will take his lobbying efforts.

“He’s been one of the best I’ve seen, considering his track record in this league,” Bochy said. “He’s such a great teammate. When he’s not in there, he’s in the dugout pulling for guys and helping them. He’s understanding of our situation, and he stays ready.”

During last year’s

run to the World Series, Burrell helped to keep the clubhouse from tensing up. He is preaching calm now, even though the club has scored the fewest runs in the National League.

“Last year at this time, I was just getting here,” said Burrell, who was released by the Tampa Bay Rays before signing a minor league deal with the Giants last season. “From everything I hear, it was pretty similar. We’ll find our stride.”